Every single one of those products in every one of those 28 brands has a strong foundation in research and science (that’s why they’re so good), but did you know that L’Oréal’s investment in science doesn’t just stop at creating those products you use on the daily? They’re actually investing in women in science, too.

Yep, one of the world’s biggest beauty companies has long been a supporter of women and their contribution to science, research and maths. Back in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship program was created, and here in Australia it’s now in its 12th year.

Each year the program recognises the most outstanding female scientific researchers in Australia and New Zealand and aims to highlight the increasing importance of ensuring greater participation of women in science. So not only is it all about supporting and recognising these incredibly accomplished women researchers and the work they do in fields like engineering, robotics, space, health and so many more areas, but it’s also about encouraging and inspiring a younger generation to pursue their ambitions in a field that’s so male-dominated.

This year’s awards recognised the amazing work of five women – Kristy Short, a virologist discovering the link between influenza and obesity; Airlie Chapman, a mechanical engineer working on bridging the gap between humans and robots; Katarina Miljkovic, a planetary scientist who is the sole Australian collaborator on NASA’s InSight mission to Mars; Asha Bowen, a clinical researcher looking to help end skin disease for Australia’s indigenous children; and Stefanie Zollman, a computer scientist exploring the possibilities of augmented reality.

The next time you’re expertly blending in your IT Cosmetics CC Cream and finishing with a slick of L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes, we give you full permission to embrace the warm and fuzzies that come with knowing that the products you’re using are not only founded in science, but that the company behind them believes *so* strongly in women in science and how they can contribute to progress.

Do you have a favourite L'Oréal product? Please share with us in the comments section below.

Carli is BEAUTYcrew’s Editor and has been since the site launched in 2016. She is currently on a quest to find the perfect medium-coverage foundation for combination skin, is trying to narrow down her mascara collection to just three, and is embracing the power of AHAs. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and previously on beautyheaven.